Do Police help bailiffs?


Officially, No

In Reality, Yes

Bailiffs may only take control of goods if they have an enforcement certificate,[1] or act in the presence of a person with a certificate.[2]

The police buzzword at the scene of a bailiff is prevent a breach of the peace[3]

Police may not help a bailiff gain entry to a property unless he is executing a search warrant or a warrant of commitment in connection with an unpaid court fine.[4]

A police officer making an improper arrest commits an offence.[5]

A police officer failing to arrest a bailiff committing an offence including a breach of the peace, commits an offence.[6]

A police officer that threatens to make an arrest to achieve a benefit for a bailiff or a detriment to another, commits an offence.[7]

To ensure proper conduct of police and bailiffs, have others come round and film them with their mobiles.



[1] Section 63(2)(a) of the Tribunals Courts and Enforcement Act 2007
[2] Section 63(2)(c) of the Tribunals Courts and Enforcement Act 2007
[3] Metropolitan Police: Police Constable Foundation Course: Lesson 037
[4] Section 17 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
[5] Section 26(1) of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015
[6] Section 26(6) of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015
[7] Section 26(7) of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015